Jameson

Taillon

No surprise here after Taillon was removed from Sunday’s start against the Giants with a left hamstring strain. Cubs manager Craig Counsell didn’t offer an exact timeline, but told reporters that the 34-year-old veteran starter will be out until after next month’s All-Star break.

Taillon seems likely to land on the injured list. The Cubs are about to get Matthew Boyd back from his knee issue, so that’s something. Colin Rea would no longer be in danger of being replaced in the rotation with Taillon out.

Taillon signaled to the trainer immediately after completing a six-pitch walk to Matt Chapman to open the second. Based on the way he tried to stretch out for a moment, it seemed to be a back or leg issue, but he didn’t make any argument for staying in the game.

Taillon surrendered a homer to Nick Kurtz in the third and then three singles to score the second run in the fourth. At least it did go as his first quality start in a month. Taillon’s velocity has been climbing in recent outings, and he might prove to be useable mixed-league starter at some point. He’ll likely face the Giants on Sunday.

All of the damage to Taillon came via the homerun ball in this one. Brandon Lowe got him for a three-run shot in the third inning on a first-pitch fastball that he golfed over the right field fence. Then, Konnor Griffin did the same on another first-pitch fastball hit to practically the exact same spot. After those, it pushed Taillon’s league-leading mark of 19 home runs allowed. The next closest pitcher has only 13. Proceed with caution ahead of a two-start week against the Athletics and Giants.

The wind saved Taillon from giving up a homer to Cam Smith in the second, but it couldn’t stop Christian Vázquez’s blast two innings later. Taillon also gave up seven other hits for a .438 BABIP that was more than twice as high as his season mark of .211. He fell to 2-4 with a 5.20 ERA. That his velocity is trending up some is a good sign — he averaged over 92 mph with his fastball today for a second straight start after never once doing so in his first eight — but he’s a tough play in mixed leagues right now. He’ll pitch in Pittsburgh next week.

Taillon gave up five homers on the day, including two to Munetaka Murakami. The right-hander struck out just two batters on the evening, and he allowed eight hard-hit balls before leaving the contest. Yikes. It’s a disappointing effort regardless, but especially considering how well Taillon had pitched in his previous two efforts where gave up three total runs. He’ll have a chance to bounce back next weekend versus the Astros.

The Cubs were shut out with Taillon on the mound for the second time this season. Taillon pulled his season ERA back down to 3.94 while striking out four and walking two. He’s at 3.41 over his last five starts. Next up for him are the White Sox on Saturday.

JJ Bleday and Nathaniel Lowe hit the homers. That brings Taillon’s season total to 11 homers allowed, but he still has a reasonable 4.24 ERA. Something is going to have to give there eventually. His next matchup is a good one, though, as he’ll be facing the Rangers in Texas. The Rangers are hitting just .217/.294/.322 with seven homers in 15 home games this year.

Taillon allowed just three hits and one walk, but two of the hits were homers from Miguel Andujar and Nick Castellanos, accounting for all three runs in the fifth. It’s still another positive outing for Taillon, who has a fair 4.41 ERA despite giving up nine homers in 34 2/3 innings. He should be a decent play in mixed leagues next week at home against the Reds.